Police: Driver passed out drunk with cocked gun

LOWELL - After noticing Rithy Youen slumped behind the wheel of a running car stopped in the middle of Broadway Street Saturday night, Lowell police were initially concerned about his wellbeing. Then police say they noticed a loaded handgun - cocked and ready to fire - in the waistband of Youen's pants.

When Youen was asked if he had a license to carry a firearm, police say an allegedly drunken Youen told them, "I don't have to tell you anything. I want my lawyer.''

The 25-year-old Lowell man was given a lawyer during his Lowell District Court arraignment on Monday. Youen, of 38 Smith St., first floor, Lowell, was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail after pleading not guilty to operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor-vehicle, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card. His next court date is a pretrial conference on Nov. 18.

Lowell police state in court documents that officers responded shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday to a report of a man passed out behind the wheel of a green Acura at the intersection of Broadway and Dutton streets.

When officers arrived, they found Youen passed out behind the wheel of the car, stopped in the middle of the street, with the keys in the ignition and the car's engine idling.

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The car was in drive with Youen's foot on the brake, police allege.

Lt. Bryant Potter was able to gain access to the man through the passengerside door and tried to wake the driver. There was a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the car and from Youen, police allege. After Potter woke the man, Youen was asked if he was under the influence or if he needed medical help. He allegedly told police he was "good'' and when EMTs showed up, said, "I want my lawyer.''

As Potter sat in the passenger seat, he reported seeing something sticking out of Youen's waistband. Shining his flashlight on the object, Potter said he saw the handle of a firearm, according to court documents. Potter jumped from the vehicle, announced that Youen had a gun and ordered Youen from the vehicle, documents state.

Once Youen was outside the car, officers removed the gun and placed Youen in handcuffs.

Police allege that in removing the handgun, officers noted it had six bullets in the magazine and the hammer was cocked and ready to fire. Officers also allegedly found more live ammunition in his pocket.

At the Lowell Police Station, officers learned that Youen did not have a gun license. He also allegedly refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test.

"It should be known that the location of the car was in the middle of the lane, still running with the car in drive and Mr. Youen passed out behind the steering wheel," Officer Paul Robbins wrote. "The lives and safety of the public was put in danger due to Mr. Youen's actions."

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